B.o.B Returns to MCing for New Album

Based on the sales of his debut, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, B.o.B clearly has the formula to win as a crossover artist. Recently though, in promoting his second LP, Strange Clouds, the Decatur, GA-born rapper says that he aspired to be more of an MC this second time around.

“For me, on this album I wanted to get back to the roots of what I started doing as an artist," he told XXL. "I felt like it was in my motivation and passion for this project to really put more of that element which I feel is more of me, and more of my thoughts, and my honest opinions into the record. That’s kinda what I accomplished from really getting back to the basics and just recording free without any expectations and all the support that I could need and have.”

Somehow, B.o.. says that he’s still managed to walk the line between pop and hip-hop on Strange Clouds, which will feature some pretty big production and guest spots from One Republic, Big K.R.I.T., Andre 3000, and T.I.

“I feel like with this album I was able to accomplish everything that I wanted to- the musical side of me, the MC side, the side of me that wants to sing, and all aspects of myself as an artist, I feel like I put into this next album.”

Strange Clouds, is slated for release in March 2012 via Atlantic/Grand Hustle.—Nadine Graham